What is the correct procedure during an emergency evacuation?

• A. Hide under desks.
• B. Follow posted evacuation routes, assemble at designated meeting point, do not re-enter building until cleared.
• C. Evacuate only if fire is visible.
• D. Call a coworker and wait.

Answer: (B)

During an emergency evacuation, the priority is to move to safety quickly and in an organized way by using the posted evacuation routes, gather at the designated meeting point, and only re-enter the building when authorities clear it. This approach keeps everyone moving away from danger in a predictable path, which reduces confusion and prevents people from getting lost or trapped.

Following the posted routes ensures you know the safest exit to take and helps avoid blocked or hazardous areas. Once you reach the assembly point, a quick headcount allows rescuers to identify who may still be inside or in need of assistance, so help can be directed where it’s most needed. Waiting inside or wandering aims to judge danger on your own, but conditions can change rapidly, and re-entry without clearance can put you at greater risk.

Hiding under desks is not appropriate for an evacuation because it delays escape and can leave you exposed to hazards outside the shelter you’re seeking. Evacuating only if a fire is visible assumes you can accurately assess threats at a distance, which isn’t reliable—smoke, heat, or structural hazards can be present even if the fire isn’t immediately visible. Calling a coworker and waiting delays your own safety and the overall response. The organized evacuation plan prioritizes prompt, safe exit and proper accountability.